Legal expert Maurice Kamto files constitutional complaint against Cameroon’s local election mandate extension

Maurice Kamto, leader of Cameroon’s Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC), has formally challenged the government’s decision to extend the mandates of municipal councilors, calling it a clear violation of constitutional principles. The move follows a presidential decree issued on May 4, 2026, which extended local officials’ terms beyond the previously established limits.

The opposition figure argues that the extension disregards the legal framework by overstepping parliamentary authority and undermining democratic norms. Specifically, he points to the controversial modification of electoral laws that removed the 18-month mandate cap for municipal councilors. The amendment, passed on April 14, 2026, lacks any provision for retroactive application, which Kamto claims makes the decree unconstitutional.

Under the previous legal provisions, municipal mandates were set to expire by August 9, 2026, but were extended until February 27, 2026, through presidential action. Kamto contends that this retroactive enforcement breaches the constitutional principle of non-retroactivity, which ensures laws only apply to future events rather than past actions.

The legal scholar and former presidential candidate maintains that as of June 1, 2026, all municipal councils nationwide are operating in a legal void. He urges local executives to recognize this vacancy and take appropriate legal measures concerning their positions and the communities they represent. Kamto has escalated his challenge by petitioning the Constitutional Council, demanding that the president be compelled to organize municipal elections to fill the vacancies.

However, questions remain about the effectiveness of this legal maneuver, given the Constitutional Council’s frequent rulings against similar petitions in the past, often citing lack of jurisdiction or procedural flaws.